The Miami Dolphins return to the practice field Wednesday, but rookies have already been in camp for a week. Among them is undrafted linebacker Eugene Asante, a seasoned collegian who spent three seasons at North Carolina before transferring to Auburn in 2022 for another three years.

At Westfield High School in Chantilly, Va., Asante played both linebacker and running back, earning first-team all-state honors. Asante saw limited action at UNC from 2019 to 2021 but became a starter at Auburn in 2023, where he had a breakout season as a redshirt junior. That year, he recorded 86 total tackles (53 solo), five sacks, 8and .5 tackles for loss. As a redshirt senior in 2024, he recorded 47 total tackles (31 solo), 4.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks, while also earning captaincy honors.

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A speedy yet undersized linebacker, Asante has the tools to make a name for himself this summer on special teams. As a defender, he has top-tier speed and agility for the position. He can effectively cover running backs on routes out of the backfield and flashes explosive burst both off the edge and on interior blitzes.

At the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, Asante posted some of the best numbers of his position group. He clocked an impressive 4.48 in the 40-yard dash, second fastest among linebackers. Though projected by many as an early Day 3 pick, Asante went undrafted, likely due to concerns about his size and limited years of high-level production.

The Dolphins enter training camp with a deep linebacking group, led by returning players Jordyn Brooks and Tyrel Dodson. They also added veteran free agents Willie Gay Jr. and K.J. Britt, while others like Channing Tindall and Cameron Goode will be battling for roster spots. Edge rushers Grayson Murphy, Quinton Bell, and Mohamed Kamara will also factor into the competition.

Despite the crowded room, Asante’s extensive special teams experience, 749 snaps in college, could give him an edge. At minimum, he projects as a strong practice squad candidate with in-season elevation potential, though he still has room to develop as a defender.

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To crack the roster, Asante will need an excellent summer in South Florida. He appears ready for the challenge. During Auburn’s pro day, he stated, “I’m going to come in every single day and compete in whatever role I have. I’m certainly somebody like that. Come in, put my head down. It’s just kind of like college all over again.”

This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins UDFA profile: LB Eugene Asante